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Direct Private Lender for Texas Real Estate Investors
Southwest Guaranty, a Houston-based private direct commercial real estate lender, was founded by Russ Gaines in 1995. We were the first lender to recognize the niche of small balance commercial lending and streamlined a loan process catering to these loans. Southwest Guaranty recognizes that each loan has its own “story” and we can structure a loan to fit each borrower’s specific needs. Our lending area stretches across the Lone Star state and we will consider loans outside of Texas on a case-by-case basis. We look forward to working with you!
Property Geographic Area Details
We lend throughout the Houston metropolitan area as well as other major metro areas in Texas.
Loan Amounts
$100,000 to $5,000,000
Interest Rates
10% to 12%
Max Loan-To-Value
65.00%
Max Loan-To-Cost
70.00%
Origination Fees
2% to 4%
Loan Terms
12 months to 60 months
Lien Position
- 1st
Loan Purpose
- Investment Acquisition
- Investment Refinance
- Improve Subject Property
- Use Equity to Invest in Another Property
- Value Add Project
Property Occupancy
- Vacant
- Tenant Occupied 100%
- Owner Occupied Commercial
Property Types and Loan Types
Collateral Types
- Residential Property
- Commercial Property
Property Types
- 2-4 Units Residential
- Commercial Land
- Industrial
- Mixed-Use
- Multifamily
- Office
- Residential Land
- Retail
- Single Family Residence
Loan Types
- Commercial Bridge
- Commercial Property Value Add
Land Loan
Land Types Considered
- Residential Land
- Multifamily Land
- Industrial Land
- Office Land
- Retail Land
- Hospitality Land
- Agricultural Land
- Special Purpose Land
Will Consider Land That is NOT Entitled
yesMax LTV for Land
50.00%Max LTC for Land Acquisition
50.00%Purchase Loan
Max Loan-To-Purchase Price
70.00%Borrower Must Have Property Under Contract
yesWill Provide Proof of Funds Letter
noWill Consider Lending on Purchase from Auction
noAllowed Source of Borrower’s Equity
- Own Cash
- Partner
- Equity in Another Investment Property
- Seller Financing
- Family
Rehab Value Add Loan
Experience Required
yesMinimum Number of Value-Add Projects Completed by Borrower
1Will Provide Funds for Renovation Costs
yesMax LTC for Renovation Costs
100.00%Interest Charged for Renovation Costs
Entire Amount of Total Project CostsTypical Number of Days for Funds Draw
7Details and Requirements
Typical Closing Time (Days)
10Fastest Closing Time (Days)
5Works With
- Brokers
- Borrowers
Payment Structure
- Interest Only
Pre Payment Penalty
no
Will lend to a foreign national
no
Will Allow Junior Position Mortgage(s) Behind Our Senior Mortgage
noWill Consider Collateralizing Multiple Properties in One Loan
noWill Consider Equity Joint Venture
no
Borrower Entity Types Considered
- Individual(s)
- LLC
- Limited Partnership
- Trust
- Corporation
Appraisal Required for Residential Property
NeverAppraisal Required for Commercial Property
NeverBroker Price Opinion (BPO) Accepted for Residential Property
SometimesBroker Price Opinion (BPO) Accepted for Commercial Property
SometimesFees
Southwest Guaranty (SWG) is a private commercial real estate lender based in Houston, specializing in small balance commercial real estate loans throughout Texas. SWG was established in 1995 in response to what we perceived was a need in the real estate community for alternative financing solutions for borrowers who might not otherwise qualify for typical bank and/or conduit financing. In an effort to stay current with specific borrower requirements, SWG continues to expand and augment its product offerings. We have the capability to offer a broad range of commercial real estate loans for all types of borrowers and properties.
As our product offerings have expanded, so has our long list of satisfied borrowers, including individuals, small businesses, non profit institutions, etc. Southwest Guaranty provides financing for a multitude of property types including, but not limited to, multi-family, office buildings, retail, assisted living, mobile home parks, self storage facilities, restaurants, industrial, hotels/motels, churches, convenience stores/gas stations, car washes, automotive service centers, charter schools, industrial/manufacturing, warehouses, marinas, golf courses, and more. With the ability to lend on almost any property type, along with our array of financing options, we have the ability to offer almost any kind of loan from “A to Z”.
Southwest Guaranty has become a respected and serious participant in a unique commercial lending market. We provide quality service and expedient loan closings using a common sense approach to underwriting, while still adhering to high standards of underwriting and documentation for all loan originations. Our objective is to build long term, ongoing relationships with our clients by using our ability to be flexible and creative when underwriting and processing commercial loan requests. We would like to have the first look at your commercial loan request and provide the best possible financing solution.
Year Established
1995
Office Locations
13430 Northwest Freeway, Suite 990, Houston, Texas 77040Russell Gaines
Principal
Russ Gaines, Principal, founded Southwest Guaranty in 1995 to fund nonconforming commercial loans in the Houston metropolitan area. Before establishing SWG, Russ was a Manager of Wholesale Lending for the Houston offices of Norwest Mortgage and Independence One Mortgage Corp., respectively. Prior to moving to Houston, Russ was the Vice President of Sprint Mortgage Bankers Corp., and developed real estate in the Northeast with The Gaines Organization in Hartford, Connecticut. He earned an economics and finance degree from the University of Hartford, and attended the Real Estate Institute at New York University.
Our Minimum Loan Amount Is
$100,000
What We Do
- Loans for Investment Real Estate in Texas
- Appraisal Not Required in most cases
- LTV up to 65%, LTP up to 70%
- 30%+ Cash Required for Purchase
- Land LTV up to 50%
Not Available
- NO 100% Financing
- NO Homesteads (owner-occupied SFR)
- NO Specialty Commercial Properties
Loan Request
Our Minimum Loan Amount Is
$100,000
What We Do
- Loans for Investment Real Estate in Texas
- Appraisal Not Required in most cases
- LTV up to 65%, LTP up to 70%
- 30%+ Cash Required for Purchase
- Land LTV up to 50%
Not Available
- NO 100% Financing
- NO Homesteads (owner-occupied SFR)
- NO Specialty Commercial Properties